

Rocket Ship
Simon Grimm
Welcome aboard the Rocket Ship, the ultimate podcast voyage into the heart of React Native development with Simon Grimm! Whether you're a seasoned mobile app developer or just starting your journey, this is your go-to destination for all things React Native and Expo.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 15, 2025 • 25min
#069 - Expo Router v5, Skia WebGPU, App Updates & Galaxies Lifetime
Expo Router v5 was released, which dramatically improves authentication flows and finally allows to use RSC in production - although still in beta. Beyond that William Candillon shared epic updates about Skia and WebGPU, making even more powerful React Native apps possible in the future.Also in this episode:- Galaxies Lifetime pricing with one-time payment- Receiving Feedback on Podcast & Apps- Sharing my next app projects- Flutter devs love React Native🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero🔥 Weekly Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev❤️ Socialshttps://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongrhttps://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev👨💻 AppsMatrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 LinksExpo Router v5: https://expo.dev/blog/expo-router-v5Shared Element Transitions: https://x.com/BBloniarz_/status/1919390653856829566Skia Announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9t-VXwIc4IApple punishing apps? https://x.com/maric_viktor/status/1922006170601939221Khalids Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH5gnjrs_pI

May 8, 2025 • 27min
#068 - Expo SDK 53 Highlights, React Native AI, Worklets & No Apple App Store Commissions
Expo SDK 53 was released after a short beta with many great new features, there are new AI packages for React Native to talk about and meanwhile Apple lost an important lawsuit that allows developers to make 30% more money with their apps!Also in this episode:- Why sleep recovery is critical for everyone- Next Galaxies Mission- New Galaxies Tools & Apps🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero🔥 Weekly Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev❤️ Socialshttps://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongrhttps://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev👨💻 AppsMatrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 LinksExpo SDK 53: https://expo.dev/changelog/sdk-53React Native AI: https://github.com/callstackincubator/aiWebGPU Worklets: https://github.com/software-mansion-labs/react-native-webgpu-workletsWeb Payments on iOS: https://expo.dev/blog/mobile-app-payment-processing-best-practices

May 1, 2025 • 25min
#067 - Quitting React Native, React Compiler, Legend List & React Native Performance
React Compiler reached release candidate, LegendList v1 is finally released and Evan Bacon shares React Native performance tips - meanwhile Simon questions his existence and whether React Native was the right choice after allAlso in this episode:- How I use Convex and ElevenLabs to build a Captions clone- Why are you not using AI?- My vacation in Copenhagen- New App sales and motivation- Galaxies.dev merch🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero🔥 Weekly Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev❤️ Socialshttps://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongrhttps://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev👨💻 AppsMatrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 LinksLegend List: https://github.com/LegendApp/legend-listTypegpu-confetti: https://github.com/software-mansion-labs/typegpu-confettiReact Compiler RC: https://react.dev/blog/2025/04/21/react-compiler-rcExpo Performance Tutorial: https://expo.dev/blog/best-practices-for-reducing-lag-in-expo-apps

Apr 24, 2025 • 27min
#066 - Expo 53 BETA, FlashList v2, React Native Popularity, App Sales & OTA Alternative
The Expo SDK 53 Beta was released, FlashList v2 is a complete rewrite and is React Native actually popular? I dive into the latest news from the React Native community, and share updates on the projects I'm working on.Also in this episode:- How I use Convex and ElevenLabs to build a Captions clone- Why are you not using AI?- My vacation in Copenhagen- New App sales and motivation- Galaxies.dev merch🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero🔥 Weekly Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev❤️ Socialshttps://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongrhttps://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev👨💻 AppsMatrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410🔗 LinksExpo SDK 53 beta: https://expo.dev/changelog/sdk-53-betaExpo UI Package: https://docs.expo.dev/versions/unversioned/sdk/ui/FlashList v2 alpha: https://github.com/Shopify/flash-list/tree/new-rlv-prototypeReact Native Fantom: https://github.com/facebook/react-native/blob/main/packages/react-native-fantom/__docs__/README.mdConvex Chef: https://news.convex.dev/meet-chef/Galaxies Merch: https://x.com/schlimmson/status/1913504363877662851Hot Updater: https://github.com/gronxb/hot-updaterJamon's reaction to the RN video: https://x.com/jamonholmgren/status/1913611094649897406

Apr 17, 2025 • 26min
#065 - Expo SDK 53 Preview, RevenueCat Paywalls, AI Images & Gemini
What's coming with Expo SDK 53? I dive into the latest news, trends and upcoming features of Expo and React Native, and share updates on the projects I'm working on.Also in this episode:- How RevenueCat Paywalls make my life better- I talked with Google- "Is this sponsored by Expo?"- AI Image Trends💰 Try RevenueCat: https://get.revenuecat.com/podcast🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero🔥 Weekly Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev❤️ Socialshttps://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongrhttps://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev👨💻 AppsMatrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410 🔗 LinksEvan Bacon better error: https://x.com/Baconbrix/status/1907891900935249955RevenueCat: https://get.revenuecat.com/rocketshipExpo Peak Productivity Video: https://youtu.be/acj7-3-EQWM

Apr 8, 2025 • 17min
#064 - Time for Change (App Updates, Vercel AI SDK & TikTok)
I'm changing the format of RocketShip! Learn all about why and what changes, the new times and topics we will talk about. This podcast will continue to be primarily about React Native, but also about shipping great apps, using AI and news for mobile devs!Also in this episode: - My latest app projects - My first experience with the Vercel AI SDK in Expo apps- Personal branding stories from Simon- Behind the scenes of a creator.🚀 Learn React Native: https://galaxies.dev/missions/zero-to-hero🔥 Weekly Videoshttps://www.youtube.com/@galaxies_dev❤️ Socialshttps://x.com/schlimmsonhttps://www.tiktok.com/@simongrimm_https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongrhttps://bsky.app/profile/galaxies.dev👨💻 AppsMatrix Manager: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/matrix-manager-task-manager/id6739463021Quick Track: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/quick-track-calorie-counter/id1669892980Text to Voice AI: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/text-to-voice-ai-reader/id6739965632Healthy Food Swap: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthy-food-swap/id6743627410

Mar 25, 2025 • 57min
#063 - From Idea to App using Replit with Matt Palmer
In this conversation, Simon Grimm and Matt Palmer discuss the capabilities and evolution of Replit, a platform that allows developers to quickly turn ideas into applications using AI tools. They explore the features of Replit, including its ability to create full stack applications, the integration of AI, and the unique advantages it offers compared to other development tools. The discussion also touches on the possibilities and limitations of using Replit for various types of projects. In this conversation, Simon and Matt discuss the challenges of managing Python environments and the advantages of using Replit for development. They explore how developers can integrate various tools into their workflows, the benefits of building with AI for rapid prototyping, and the importance of effective prompt engineering. The discussion also touches on the future collaboration between Replit and Expo, highlighting the evolving landscape of software development.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devMatt PalmerMatt leads developer relations and product marketing at Replit, creating everything from tutorials to technical content. He got his start in data, working as a product analyst at AllTrails before moving to data engineering and eventually DevRel. He's worked on content with companies like LinkedIn, O'Reilly Media, xAI and Y Combinator. Outside of work, you can find him lifting weights or exploring the outdoors. Matt currently lives in San Francisco, but hails from Asheville, North Carolina.https://x.com/mattppalhttps://youtube.com/@mattpalmerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-palmer/https://mattpalmer.io/LinksReplit: https://replit.com/Replit X: https://x.com/replitReplit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@replitReplit Expo / React Native template: https://replit.com/@replit/ExpoReplit Sign-up: https://replit.comExpo tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLto9KpJAqHMRuHwQ9OUjkVgZ69efpvslMExpo Blog: https://expo.dev/blog/from-idea-to-app-with-replit-and-expoTakeawaysReplit allows developers to create applications quickly and efficiently.AI integration in Replit enhances the development process.The platform supports multiple programming languages, primarily JavaScript and Python.Replit's workspace is designed for ease of use, requiring no installations.Users can deploy applications with a single click.Replit is evolving rapidly with advancements in AI technology.The platform is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.Replit's unique features set it apart from other development tools.The community around Replit is growing, with increasing interest and usage.Building complex applications still requires significant effort and planning. Python environments can be cumbersome for developers.Replit excels in managing single directory projects.AI can significantly speed up the prototyping process.Disposable software allows for quick iterations and testing.Effective prompt engineering can enhance AI outputs.Developers should focus on minimum viable prompts for efficiency.Replit's integration with Expo is a promising development.AI tools can help in learning and understanding code better.Collaboration between tools can streamline the development process.Keeping up with new tools and technologies is essential for developers.

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
#062 - Navigation, Styling & The State of React Native with Beto
In this episode, Simon and Beto discuss the latest findings from the State of React Native survey, highlighting trends in developer backgrounds, platform usage, income levels, and the evolving landscape of libraries and tools in the React Native ecosystem. They delve into the increasing popularity of local storage solutions, deep linking, and the rise of Zustand in state management, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities for solo developers in the mobile app space. In this conversation, Beto and Simon discuss the current state and future of React Native, focusing on various aspects such as Expo Router usage, styling trends, graphics and animations, component libraries, debugging tools, architecture adoption, build processes, AI in code generation, and community sentiment. They highlight the improvements in developer experience and the shift towards a more native approach in React Native development.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devAlberto MoedanoBeto X: https://twitter.com/betomoedanoBeto YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codewithbetoCode with Beto Courses: https://codewithbeto.dev/LinksState of React Native Survey: https://results.stateofreactnative.com/en-US/TakeawaysThe State of React Native survey had over 3,000 participants, indicating growing interest.A significant number of React Native developers come from backend backgrounds.Solo developers can effectively use Expo and React Native to build apps.The trend towards local-first applications is gaining traction in the developer community.Deep linking is becoming increasingly important for app navigation.Zustand is rising in popularity as a state management solution.Inline styling remains a popular choice among developers.Expo is working on a new UI component library to enhance native app development.The future of data syncing and local storage solutions looks promising with new technologies. ExpoRouter is seeing increased usage and feedback is being actively incorporated.Styling in React Native is evolving, with inline styles gaining popularity due to AI tools.Graphics and animations are best handled with libraries like Reanimated and Skia.Component libraries are declining, indicating a shift towards more flexible styling solutions.Debugging tools are improving, with new options like Radon IDE and Atlas for Expo.The adoption of the new React Native architecture is growing, with many developers migrating successfully.EAS build is the preferred method for building applications, offering automation and a free tier.AI is becoming a significant part of the coding process, with many developers relying on it for code generation.Cross-platform frameworks are consolidating, with React Native and Flutter leading the way.The community sentiment around React Native is positive, with excitement for future developments.

Feb 25, 2025 • 54min
#061 - Shipping Successful AI Apps with Your Average Tech Bro
Dohyun Kim, also known as YourAverageTechBro, is a savvy app developer and content creator. He dives into the exhilarating world of app development, sharing the secrets behind his app, Montee. Hear about the balancing act of coding and personal life, his tech preferences like React Native, and crucial marketing strategies. Dohyun explains how to harness the power of social media for growth and emphasizes the importance of rapid development and purposeful feature selection. Get ready for insights on navigating the competitive app landscape!

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 17min
#060 - Module Federation, RSCs & Universal Apps with Jack Herrington
In this episode of Rocket Ship, Simon Grimm interviews Jack Herrington, a prominent figure in the React Native and Next.js communities. They discuss the challenges and changes in the React Native ecosystem, and the exciting developments around Module Federation and React Server Components (RSCs). Jack shares his experiences with React Native, the benefits of using Expo, and the performance gains associated with RSCs. The conversation also touches on the skepticism surrounding new technologies and the gradual adoption within the industry. In this conversation, Simon and Jack discuss the evolving landscape of React Server Components (RSCs), the impact of AI on app customization, and the rise of AI-driven development tools. They explore the integration of ShadCN, the future of universal apps, and compare RSCs with other frameworks like Svelte and Solid. The discussion highlights the challenges and innovations in the development community, particularly in relation to state management and the potential for AI to transform user experiences. They also delve into the ongoing debate between React Native and Flutter, highlight new features in React 19, and explore the potential of building custom Chrome extensions.Learn React Native - https://galaxies.devJack HerringtonX: https://x.com/jherrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jherrGithub: https://github.com/jherrLinksFrontend Fire Podcast: https://front-end-fire.com/Pro Next.js Course: https://www.pronextjs.dev/Zephyr: https://www.zephyr-cloud.io/TakeawaysModule Federation allows for remote module updates without app store submissions.RSCs can improve performance by reducing client-side rendering time.The adoption of RSCs in the industry is slow due to existing codebases and frameworks.Jack's journey with React Native has been cyclical, returning to it multiple times.Performance gains with RSCs can be significant, especially on slower devices.Skepticism exists around new technologies like RSCs, impacting their adoption.Incremental adoption paths for frameworks can ease transitions for large companies. RSCs are still in development and face challenges.AI can significantly enhance app customization for users.Cursor is a popular AI-driven development tool that many developers prefer.ShadCN offers exciting possibilities for UI infrastructure.The concept of universal apps is becoming more feasible.The development landscape is shifting towards AI integration.Frameworks like Quick handle hydration differently than React.Solid and Svelte have similar functionalities to RSCs.AI models require extensive code examples for effective training.Zustand is gaining popularity in state management. Zustand has gained popularity as a state management library.Atomic state management allows for automatic updates based on dependencies.Choosing the right state management tool depends on the application's needs.React 19 introduces significant changes, especially with RSCs.Building custom Chrome extensions can enhance productivity and provide unique solutions.The debate between React Native and Flutter continues with no clear winner.Using the simplest state management solution is often the best approach.Understanding the context of your application is crucial for state management decisions.